Trinity #1 (Creation)

May 31, 2021 (Monday)

 

Yesterday was “Trinity Sunday.” Let’s explore that theological truth for a bit. It seem that the concept of the “trinity” has been illustrated by a triangle, generally stylized. The word “trinity” means three (tri) and unity.

 

One thing that seems confusing is when the Bible reads “God.” Sometimes “God” means all three members of the trinity, other times it means “God the Father.” It takes some context to decipher which meaning is implied.

 

Let’s start in the beginning to unwind this this mystery as far as human language and understand (mine) apply. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” [Genesis 1:1 – 2 ESV] The word translated “Spirit” is also used to mean breath and wind.

 

NOTE ON TRANSLATIONS: Historically the church as always understood verse two as referring to the “Spirit of God” (the “Holy Spirit”). This is one reason I cannot recommend the CEB (Common English Bible), even though I use it regularly, but very carefully. Throughout the Creation story, it strips historical meaning out of the text and opts for a non-spiritual wording. If you haven’t notice when I need a precise theological meaning I stick with the ESV (English Standard Version). I do like the NLT (New Living Translation) to help restate things clearer. I’m “on the fence” with the NIV (New International Version). Generally it’s a good translation. I used to use and recommend it exclusively. But here is confusion between the “old” NIV and the “new” NIV. As a result, I’m no longer using or recommending NIV. If you are a fan of the solid KJV (King James Version), then you will be able to follow the ESV.

 

Genesis 1:1 refers to “God.” I think this is a reference to “God the Father.” Genesis 1:2 is a reference to “God the Holy Spirit.” Where’s Jesus, “God the Son?” The next verse introduces a formula for the seven days of creation. “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” [Genesis 1:3 ESV] There is Jesus.

 

I think it’s clear the disciples understood the formula “And God SAID” as referring to Jesus. Look at John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [John 1:1 ESV] John see’s Jesus as “the Word” we see in Genesis 1:3 (and similar verses). John clarifies his theology when he pointed states, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” [John 1:3 ESV]

 

Paul also claims that Jesus is the Creator! ”For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” [Colossians 1:16 ESV]

 

Paul “doubles down” on Jesus as the Creator when he states, “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” [Colossians 1:17 ESV] Not only does Jesus create, Jesus holds everything together.

 

Think about it this way, hating Jesus (expressed in hating Jesus’ followers) is like hating the very air we breathe. Without Jesus, there would be no air. He is the source and the power behind its continued existence.

 

RECAP: “God the Father” willed everything into existence. Jesus as the “Word of God” called everything into existence. The “Holy Spirit” breathed life into creation.